The Ideal Husband and the State of the Drama Nation

Welcome Travis! It has been a long time.










The State of the Drama Nation Winter 2008

ACTING: I knew this was going to be a transitional year. We lost so much leadership and skill last year, and the natural result would be growing pains. We have experienced that in a large way. Let's face it; there has been a void in this group all year.

That void, for lack of a better term, can be called the "Alpha Male" or the "Queen Bee." Regardless of which you choose, the end result is the same; no one has stepped forward in this group and "taken the bull by the horns." In every show, there has to be the one person who is the "rock" or the "anchor" or the show. Who is that?

Many people in the past few days have watched this production and said that you, as a group, lack a sense of cohesiveness and concern. They see the pieces are in place, and they recognize that each of you has worked hard on your part. However, they nor I see that sense of togetherness, unity, and teamwork that is necessary to take a show from good to excellent.

Specifically, you are too quiet, too slow, and too monotonous. Furthermore, most of you are struggling with lines and cues still. Finally, since this play is full of dialogue and short on action, you can't give a lifeless performance. Each act is 30 minutes, and you will lose your audience by intermission if you don't increase your energy and speed.

Therefore, for the last time, I challenge someone in this group to step forward and say to everyone else, "Jump on my back, and I'll carry you through this." I would settle for someone saying, "I haven't given 100% of my heart to this, but I will today." Finally, I would even be happier if someone among you cared as much about this as I do. If you exist, share that passion while on stage, and then, share it backstage with the rest of the cast.

COSTUMES: We're still dancing in a land I don't understand. We need to settle on a Chilton costume. Did we call Cherelles yet? Kodi's pants ripped yesterday, so we need to have those repaired. Can someone run to Cherrelle's tomorrow night? I didn't see the red dress at all tonight. We're paying for that. I didn't see the white dress either. We're paying for that. I see boys with tennis shoes and all kinds of other shoes. The girls need jewels of some kind. We still have some work to do here.

PUBLICITY: While I'm happy with nearly everything, I have to question the large stack of posters that are still in the auditorium. What are we doing with those? Where have the posters been placed? I would like a list as quickly as possible. Assuming that your ticket and ushering folks are prepared, you have done well.

MAKEUP: I'm still holding onto the belief that you have this covered. I will be shopping tomorrow morning for the final time before this show. If there is anything else you need, let me know as soon as possible.

LIGHTS and SOUND: I really need to watch the lighting tomorrow. Sound wise, it appears that you are prepared. Why did the alarm clock replace the buzzer today? It should really be a bell, like the kind used when you're entering a shop. Can you find one? I will watch the lights tonight. Also, as troubling as this might be, we must mount the monster chandelier.

CONCESSIONS: Make certain that you have enough volunteers to help with this. I would like a list as soon as possible.

STAGE CREW/PROPS: These changes are not easy, and I know it. I also realize that you haven't had the same group twice in a row to do this. It seems to me that we really need to look at those maps and assignments carefully before the change arrives. It seems like we're scrambling more than we need to scramble. Follow your assignments. If you do anything that you shouldn't do, everything will not function properly. Be quick and quiet.

CONSTRUCTION: OK...we need to build a railing during class today. I don't care what it takes, and I don't even care how nice it looks. We have to finish that. Also, see the chandelier note in lights! Smile....we're almost finished.

PROPS: I am going to remain nervous about props until I see this show run with every prop in place. As of this writing, I haven't seen that. What troubles me most is that I think we should have a list of what we need at this point, and we don't. You keep saying that we have it all, but each scene seems to be missing a little something. If you need help ask. If you don't, then get it right this evening.

ART: Yoy....I'm glad that we have a plan. I just don't know how we're going to get it done on time. We would be completely at a loss if it weren't for Mrs. Windsor. Recruit help wherever necessary, but get the painting done as quickly as possible. We are really in need of a finished product from you. Do you believe in miracles?

FINAL THOUGHTS:

I have a copy of all the State of the Drama Nation handouts that I have written over the years. Some of them are far shorter and less troubling than this one. Some are exponentially longer and more dire. However, some of those shows managed to rise to the occasion and become great theatrical memories. Many of those groups created a legacy that follows them to this day.

Now, it's your turn to pave your legacy. Many of you are leaving at the end of this semester, and your legacy is upon you. This program was born out of desire to create theater that was different from all others both in style and excellence. You have a responsibility to maintain that legacy.

I could have chosen a much easier selection for this group. In many ways, that would seem to be the right thing to do. Perhaps there's still just a bit of that athlete remaining in me. As an athlete, I always wanted to play the best team, face the best pitcher, or even more accurately, play against guys who were older and more experienced than I was. I loved those challenges, and I believe that much of who I am can be attributed to always demanding a challenge.

This play is a challenge. Teenagers will have a hard time caring about the content, unless we give them a reason to watch. These characters are complex, the stage is compex, and concurrently, everything about this play is a challenge. I love the challenge. I live for the challenge. I want to know who wants to face this challenge and defeat it with me! I dare you!